Benign intermittent gastric outlet obstruction in an elderly: Endoscopic management and brief review

We describe the clinical scenario in an 80 year old female who presented with history of epigastric discomfort and postprandial fullness of three weeksduration without any alarming symptoms. On upper GI endoscopy she was found to have gastric polyp with a long stalk which was partially obstructing her pyloric ring giving rise to features of intermittent gastric outlet obstruction Polypectomy was done with complete relief of symptoms .She is following our clinic for last 6 months now. Although possibility of malignant etiology in gastric out let obstruction ranks high in the elderly some patients are lucky to have a benign cause as the index case. Report of the case and brief review ispresented.Key words:Inflammatory polyp, Gastric outlet obstruction

Screening and Evaluation of Deleterious SNPs in APOE Gene of Alzheimer's Disease

Introduction. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is present in 30–50% of patients who develop late-onset AD. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are present in APOE gene which act as the biomarkers for exploring the genetic basis of this disease. The objective of this study is to identify deleterious nsSNPs associated with APOE gene. Methods. The SNPs were retrieved from dbSNP. Using I-Mutant, protein stability change was calculated. The potentially functional nonsynonymous (ns) SNPs and their effect on protein was predicted by PolyPhen and SIFT, respectively. FASTSNP was used for functional analysis and estimation of risk score. The functional impact on the APOE protein was evaluated by using Swiss PDB viewer and NOMAD-Ref server. Results. Six nsSNPs were found to be least stable by I-Mutant 2.0 with DDG value of >−1.0. Four nsSNPs showed a highly deleterious tolerance index score of 0.00. Nine nsSNPs were found to be probably damaging with position-specific independent counts (PSICs) score of ≥2.0. Seven nsSNPs were found to be highly polymorphic with a risk score of 3-4. The total energies and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values were higher for three mutant-type structures compared to the native modeled structure. Conclusion. We concluded that three nsSNPs, namely, rs11542041, rs11542040, and rs11542034, to be potentially functional polymorphic

Electronic System of Language Skills Formation: Psychological Features of Foreign Language Teaching

In the world, there is always a need to improve the quality of communication between people who speak different languages. This urgent task constantly requires the search for new ways of teaching the language, which should be based on the creative cooperation of specialists in different fields. Any language is a complex multi-level system, and language acquisition is a process that includes a large number of parameters. The article provides a brief description of the psychological aspects that allow us to justify the possibility of using a visual approach to the development of grammatical competencies. The relevance of the topic is determined by the need to create a new detailed technology for the application of the most effective methods for the formation of speech skills of foreign language proficiency in adults. The study is based on models of cognitive psychology. Using the extension of the areas of Bloom's taxonomy and the representation of the model of interaction between the psyche and reality, it is possible to demonstrate patterns that are difficult to explain in words due to restrictions on the amount of verbal RAM of the student, which is especially important in the process of mastering a foreign language. The latest developments are aimed at combining new methods aimed at simultaneously developing language skills and grammatical competence within the same activity. Each of the methods can be improved through the use of computer technologies, and their joint use in one system will lead to a synergistic effect in the learning process. The proposed learning management system should work in combination with a methodologically precisely integrated linguistic system and ensure the formation of the speech zone of a new language in the consciousness of an adult student in the learning process

Психолингвистические аспекты обучения иностранному языку в электронной системе формирования речевых навыков

Mastering foreign languages is a deep process that covers several areas of human activity, including not only psycholinguistics, but also cognitive psychology, while affecting the area of interaction between consciousness and the unconscious. In the XXI century, a new technological basis has appeared, combining information and communication technologies and artificial intelligence. The systematic approach serves as a mechanism that allows combining modern technologies with those methods of teaching foreign languages that were previously available only to a narrow circle of specialists. The purpose of the research is to develop a training system created on the basis of modern information and communication technologies for acquiring speech skills of foreign language proficiency by adults on a massive scale. The article provides a brief description of the psycholinguistic aspects that can significantly reduce the duration of training. The proposed learning management system should work in combination with a methodologically precisely integrated linguistic system and ensure the formation of the speech zone of the acquired language in the adult learner’s mind during the learning process. The main result can be considered a conceptual solution to the problem of simultaneous interaction of the language system and the means of information and communication technologies that ensure the sustainable formation of foreign language thinking of adults in the process of developing professional and language skills, presented at the system level. And the introduction of the student’s psyche directly into the educational process management circuit should be considered as a new direction in the development of e-learning.Овладение иностранными языками представляет собой глубинный процесс, охватывающий несколько областей жизнедеятельности человека, включая не только психолингвистику, но и когнитивную психологию, затрагивая при этом область взаимодействия сознания и бессознательного. В XXI веке появился новый технологический базис, сочетающий в себе информационно-коммуникационные технологии и искусственный интеллект. Системный подход служит механизмом, позволяющим объединить современные технологии с теми методиками обучения иностранным языкам, которые ранее были доступны лишь узкому кругу специалистов. Целью исследований является разработка обучающей системы, создаваемой на основе современных информационно-коммуникационных технологий, для обретения речевых навыков владения иностранным языком взрослыми в массовом масштабе. В статье дано краткое описание психолингвистических аспектов, позволяющих значительно сократить продолжительность обучения. Предлагаемая к внедрению система управления обучением должна работать в сочетании с методологически точно интегрированной лингвистической системой и обеспечивать формирование речевой зоны обретаемого языка в сознании взрослого ученика в процессе обучения. Основным результатом можно считать концептуальное решение задачи одновременного взаимодействия языковой системы и средств информационно-коммуникационных технологий, обеспечивающих устойчивое формирование иноязычного мышления взрослых в процессе развития профессиональных и языковых навыков, представленное на системном уровне. А введение психики обучаемого непосредственно в контур управления учебным процессом следует рассматривать как новое направление в развитии электронного обучения.

Mental wellbeing of healthcare workers working in quarantine centers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar

Background: Healthcare workers managing Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) patients are at increased risk of poor mental wellbeing. The available literature on the psychological impact in the Arabian Gulf region is limited, and a more in-depth analysis of factors affecting frontline healthcare workers' mental wellbeing is warranted. The aim of this study was to evaluate and explore healthcare workers' wellbeing working in quarantine centers in Qatar. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, web-based survey conducted on healthcare workers managing patients in designated quarantine centers. Healthcare workers associated with 51 COVID-19 quarantine centers were eligible to participate in this survey from April 19 to May 3, 2020. The primary outcome of interest was mental wellbeing as measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Results: A total of 127 of 169 contacted staff members completed the survey, with a participation rate of 75%. Approximately 17.4% of participants had well-being scores of less than 45, indicating suboptimal wellbeing and a high risk of psychological distress and depression. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that nurses are associated with increased risk (more than the fivefold higher risk of having WEMWBS score < 45) of adverse mental wellbeing (adjusted OR 5.65; 95% CI 0.57, 56.4; p = 0.140). Conclusion: The psychological impact of working in quarantine centers on healthcare workers was less than what has been reported globally. Nurses are the most vulnerable group. It is essential that health services monitor the psychological impact on its workforce and puts appropriate mitigation strategies in place.qscienc

Prostaglandin profiling reveals a role for haematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase in adipose tissue macrophage polarisation in mice and humans.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity has been associated with both changes in adipose tissue lipid metabolism and inflammation. A key class of lipid-derived signalling molecules involved in inflammation are the prostaglandins. In this study, we aimed to determine how obesity affects the levels of prostaglandins within white adipose tissue (WAT) and determine which cells within adipose tissue produce them. To avoid the effects of cellular stress on prostaglandin levels, we developed a multivariate statistical approach in which metabolite concentrations and transcriptomic data were integrated, allowing the assignment of metabolites to cell types. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Eicosanoids were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and mRNA levels using real-time PCR. Eicosanoid levels and transcriptomic data were combined using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering in order to associate metabolites with cell types. Samples were obtained from C57Bl/6 mice aged 16 weeks. We studied the ob/ob genetically obese mouse model and diet-induced obesity model. We extended our results in mice to a cohort of morbidly obese humans undergoing bariatric surgery. RESULTS: Using our modelling approach, we determined that prostglandin D₂ (PGD₂) in adipose tissue was predominantly produced in macrophages by the haematopoietic isoform of prostaglandin D synthase (H-Pgds). Analysis of sub-fractionated WAT confirmed that H-Pgds was expressed in adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs). Furthermore, H-Pgds expression in ATMs isolated from lean and obese mice was consistent with it affecting macrophage polarisation. Functionally, we demonstrated that H-PGDS-produced PGD₂ polarised macrophages toward an M2, anti-inflammatory state. In line with a potential anti-inflammatory role, we found that H-PGDS expression in ATMs was positively correlated with both peripheral insulin and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in humans. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have developed a method to determine the cellular source of metabolites within an organ and used it to identify a new role for PGD₂ in the control of ATM polarisation.HQL-79 was a kind gift of Professor Yoshihiro Urade. Professor Vidal-Puig was funded by the BHF, MRC and BBSRC. Dr Virtue was funded by the BBSRC and the BHF. Dr Eiden, Dr Masoodi and Dr Griffin were funded by the MRC. Dr Mok was funded by the Wellcome Trust.This is the final published version. It first appeared at http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ijo201534a.htm

Herd immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in 10 communities, qatar

We investigated what proportion of the population acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2) infection and whether the herd immunity threshold has been reached in 10 communities in Qatar. The study included 4,970 participants during June 21-September 9, 2020. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected by using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Seropositivity ranged from 54.9% (95% CI 50.2%-59.4%) to 83.8% (95% CI 79.1%-87.7%) across communities and showed a pooled mean of 66.1% (95% CI 61.5%-70.6%). A range of other epidemiologic measures indicated that active infection is rare, with limited if any sustainable infection transmission for clusters to occur. Only 5 infections were ever severe and 1 was critical in these young communities; infection severity rate of 0.2% (95% CI 0.1%-0.4%). Specifi c communities in Qatar have or nearly reached herd immunity for SARS-CoV-2 infection: 65%-70% of the population has been infected.This study was supported by the Hamad Medical Corporation, Ministry of Public Health, and the Biomedical Research Program and the Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Biomathematics Research Core, both atScopu

Herd Immunity against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in 10 Communities, Qatar.

We investigated what proportion of the population acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and whether the herd immunity threshold has been reached in 10 communities in Qatar. The study included 4,970 participants during June 21-September 9, 2020. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected by using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Seropositivity ranged from 54.9% (95% CI 50.2%-59.4%) to 83.8% (95% CI 79.1%-87.7%) across communities and showed a pooled mean of 66.1% (95% CI 61.5%-70.6%). A range of other epidemiologic measures indicated that active infection is rare, with limited if any sustainable infection transmission for clusters to occur. Only 5 infections were ever severe and 1 was critical in these young communities; infection severity rate of 0.2% (95% CI 0.1%-0.4%). Specific communities in Qatar have or nearly reached herd immunity for SARS-CoV-2 infection: 65%-70% of the population has been infected

Suppression of charged particle production at large transverse momentum in central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76 TeV

Inclusive transverse momentum spectra of primary charged particles in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{_{\rm NN}}}$ = 2.76 TeV have been measured by the ALICE Collaboration at the LHC. The data are presented for central and peripheral collisions, corresponding to 0-5% and 70-80% of the hadronic Pb-Pb cross section. The measured charged particle spectra in $|\eta|<0.8$ and $0.3 < p_T < 20$ GeV/$c$ are compared to the expectation in pp collisions at the same $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}$, scaled by the number of underlying nucleon-nucleon collisions. The comparison is expressed in terms of the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm AA}$. The result indicates only weak medium effects ($R_{\rm AA} \approx$ 0.7) in peripheral collisions. In central collisions, $R_{\rm AA}$ reaches a minimum of about 0.14 at $p_{\rm T}=6$-7GeV/$c$ and increases significantly at larger $p_{\rm T}$. The measured suppression of high-$p_{\rm T}$ particles is stronger than that observed at lower collision energies, indicating that a very dense medium is formed in central Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC.Comment: 15 pages, 5 captioned figures, 3 tables, authors from page 10, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/98

Two-pion Bose-Einstein correlations in central Pb-Pb collisions at sNN\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76 TeV

The first measurement of two-pion Bose-Einstein correlations in central Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV at the Large Hadron Collider is presented. We observe a growing trend with energy now not only for the longitudinal and the outward but also for the sideward pion source radius. The pion homogeneity volume and the decoupling time are significantly larger than those measured at RHIC.Comment: 17 pages, 5 captioned figures, 1 table, authors from page 12, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/388